Civil Defence Mock Drill Conducted Nationwide on May 7, 2025

1. On May 2 and 5, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had issued directives to all States and Union Territories to conduct civil defence mock drills on May 7, 2025.
2. The drill was ordered amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, following the Pahalgam terror attack and recent missile tests conducted by Pakistan.
3. This was the first large-scale civil defence preparedness exercise since the 1971 India–Pakistan war.

What Are Civil Defence Districts?

1. Civil Defence Districts are specially designated areas where civil defence plans are implemented for protecting civilians and infrastructure during emergencies.
2. The districts are notified based on their strategic importance, location near borders, and presence of critical infrastructure

History of Civil Defence in India :  Originated during World War II under British rule. The 1962 Sino-Indian War and 1965 India–Pakistan War led to policy formalization. The Civil Defence Act, 1968, was enacted to institutionalize emergency response. The 1971 War saw the effective use of civil defence protocols. Post-1985: Focus expanded to include nuclear threats and natural disasters.

 

Demarcation Details:

1. 259 districts were notified in 2010; in January 2023, the Centre identified 295 vulnerable towns/districts needing active civil defence measures.
2. Divided into three categories:
   1. Category I (13 districts): Full implementation
   2. Category II (201 districts): Partial implementation
   3. Category III (45 districts): Limited implementation

States with Maximum Civil Defence Districts:

1. West Bengal (32), Rajasthan (28), Assam (20), Punjab (20), Jammu & Kashmir (20)

What the May 7 Mock Drill Entailed

The drill simulated various war-like emergency scenarios and included the following activities:

1. Activation of air raid warning sirens
2. Crash blackout procedures (simulated blackouts in select areas)
3. Hotline/radio link testing with the Indian Air Force
4. Operational control and shadow control rooms were manned
5. Evacuation rehearsals and civilian training sessions
6. Camouflaging of critical infrastructure like power plants and military sites
7. Testing civil defence services: wardens, rescue teams, firefighting units
8. Clearing of bunkers and trenches
9. Updating of district-wise civil defence and evacuation plans

Impact on Public Life

The mock drill had noticeable effects in several towns and districts:

1. Brief power cuts were implemented to simulate crash blackouts.
2. Sirens were heard in designated areas, halting traffic movement temporarily.
3. Evacuation exercises were carried out in some schools, offices, and public places.
4. In certain high-risk districts, people were directed to shelters and bunkers
5. Mobile network disruptions, public announcements, and restricted area access occurred as part of the simulation.

Public Advisory Issued:

1. Citizens were asked to remain calm, listen to official broadcasts, and follow instructions from local authorities, police, or civil defence personnel.
2. People were also encouraged to keep emergency kits ready (with water, flashlight, first aid, etc.).

Legal Framework: Civil Defence Act, 1968

The drill was carried out under the provisions of the Civil Defence Act, 1968, which empowers the government during emergencies to:

1. Impose curfews, restrict movement, or close public services
2. Censor media, detain suspects, and control supply chains
3. Requisition services, acquire property, and mobilize citizens for national duties

Government's Stated Objective

Although the MHA did not cite any direct imminent threat, the drill was part of a broader goal to:

1. Assess the preparedness of states and districts under the civil defence framework
2. Train civilians in wartime safety and emergency response
3. Strengthen coordination among defence, police, medical, and civic agencies

The initiative had been previously endorsed by PM Narendra Modi and HM Amit Shah during the Chintan Shivir in Surajkund (October 2022), and followed up via official communication to states in January 2023.

 

Global Comparisons :  South Korea conducted a similar drill in August 2023 following North Korea’s ICBM launch. Ukraine held civilian defence drills prior to the Russian invasion. Historically, countries like the UK, USA, and USSR relied on air raid protocols and fallout shelters during World War II and the Cold War.

 

Conclusion

The nationwide civil defence mock drill conducted on May 7, 2025, was a crucial step in national preparedness, aimed at readying both the government and citizens for emergencies such as war or terrorist attacks.
 While it temporarily disrupted routine public life in many districts, it demonstrated India’s resolve to proactively safeguard its population through coordinated civilian-military readiness.